TASK1 Sample Re-submission 1 Returned Task1 Assign.1 Corrections Made(Leadership Theory Analysis) (Final Draft 2 Paper^J 05-02-2021) PDF

Preview

Summary

AFT2 Task...

Description

Task 1 – Leadership Analysis and Evaluation Leadership Analysis and Evaluation Robert W. Buchanan Jr., BSBA College of Business, Western Governor’s University

C200 – Managing Organizations and Leading People Dr. Vincent Franklin April 11, 2021

1

Task 1 – Leadership Analysis and Evaluation

2

Table of Contents Leadership Analysis ………………………………………………………………………………3 My GALLUP (Clifton-Strengths) Report and Leadership Analysis ………………………….3 - 8 Transformational Theory Analysis.…….……………………………………………………9 – 10 Personal Leadership Strengths ……………………………………………………………...10 - 13 Personal Leadership Weaknesses .…………………………………………………………13 – 14 Recommendations for Personal Leadership………………………………………………...14 - 15

Specific Actions……………………………………………………………………………..15 - 17 References/ Cited Sources…………………………………………………………………..18 – 19

Task 1 – Leadership Analysis and Evaluation

3

Leadership Analysis In this section, I will discuss the results from the “GALLUP – CliftonStrengths assessment and how it translates into my leadership type or style. Utilizing the articles that were read as a part of task 1 reading assignment which include “Leader assessment,” “The MeyersBriggs Type Indicator”, “Transformational Leadership”, and “Literature Review on Leadership Theories”, gave me a great insight as to the type of leader that I have become over my existing career. Companies are recognizing and beginning to focus on the importance of human capital in corporate America. Most companies and organizations are making an effort to change their paradigms in reference to people management and are no longer seeing employees as a resource whose primary function is to provide consumers and other organizations, goods and services. More often than not, companies are seeing their employees as assets and critical to the organization’s ability in providing quality services to their clients (Farzad, 2006, p. 12). The success of any organization is dependent upon great leadership to have the ability, and capability of leading the organization toward its mission statement and other goals set forth (Cheng, 2003, p. 1). My GALLUP (Clifton-Strengths) Report and Leadership Analysis The purpose of this assessment is to give the student insight, or a review of the knowledge and skills that each individual has acquired, which will provide a basic sense of the individuals abilities and give awareness as well as an understanding of the student’s natural talents. The assessment also provides the student a true insight into the core reasons behind their consistent successes (Don Clifton, “Father of Strengths Psychology and Inventor of Clifton-Strengths).

Task 1 – Leadership Analysis and Evaluation

4

“My Signature Theme” report presented my five most dominant themes of talent and is based on the responses that were provided to Clifton-Strengths. The results of the assessment have enabled me to use the information to identify my talents, build them into strengths, and in the near future enjoy personal (student/ home-life), career success, and performance. My top five results were the following: “Futuristic”, “Learner”, “Consistency”, “Positivity”, and “Strategic”. Futuristic The Futuristic result from the assessment indicated that the future fascinating, almost as if it were projected on the wall, you see in detail what the future might hold, and this detailed picture keeps pulling you forward, into tomorrow. While the exact content of the picture will depend on your other strengths and interests—a better product, a better team, a better life, or a better world—it will always be inspirational to you. You are a dreamer who sees visions of what could be and who cherishes those visions. When the present proves too frustrating and the people around you too pragmatic, you conjure up your visions of the future and they energize you. They can energize others, too. In fact, very often people look to you to describe your visions of the future. They want a picture that can raise their sights and thereby their spirits. You can paint it for them. Choose your words carefully. Make the picture as vivid as possible. People will want to latch on to the hope you bring.

The futuristic strength fascinates me in the sense that as a father, husband, businessman, investor and trader, person of faith, student and sibling, etc., I must certainly always plan, prepare and sometimes even forecast potential events, both positive and negative. As I have never been a person to believe in luck, I am a true believer in the analogy that patience and preparedness meets Opportunity! Idealized influence and inspirational leadership are displayed when a leader

Task 1 – Leadership Analysis and Evaluation

5

envisions a desirable future, and then articulates to employees how the organizations goals can be attained (Avolio & Bass, 1991). Learner

The assessment describes “Learner” as the following: You love to learn. The subject matter that interests you most will be determined by your other themes and experiences, but whatever the subject, you will always be drawn to the process of learning. The process, more than the content or the result, is especially exciting for you. You are energized by the steady and deliberate journey from ignorance to competence. The thrill of the first few facts, the early efforts to recite or practice what you have learned, the growing confidence of a skill mastered— this is the process that entices you. Your excitement leads you to engage in adult learning experiences— yoga or piano lessons or graduate classes. It enables you to thrive in dynamic work environments where you are asked to take on short project assignments and are expected to learn a lot about the new subject matter in a short period of time and then move on to the next one. This Learner theme does not necessarily mean that you seek to become the subject matter expert, or that you are striving for the respect that accompanies professional or academic credential. The outcome of the learning is less significant than the “getting there.”

The learner strength certainly describes my educational journey thus far as far, especially my most recent journey. After having received multiple degrees in many different fields of study, I’ve decided to further my education in yet another field that will hopefully be more age appropriate in my older age (retirement). I have always been one to navigate toward higher

Task 1 – Leadership Analysis and Evaluation

6

learning, always challenging myself in the pursuit of more knowledge. For example, going back to attend college, and signing up for continuing education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Consistency The “Consistency” result indicates the following: Balance is important to you. You are keenly aware of the need to treat people the same, no matter what their station in life, so you do not want to see the scales tipped too far in any one person’s favor. In your view this leads to selfishness and individualism. It leads to a world where some people gain an unfair advantage because of their connections or their background or their greasing of the wheels. This is truly offensive to you. You see yourself as a guardian against it. In direct contrast to this world of special favors, you believe that people function best in a consistent environment where the rules are clear and are applied to everyone equally. This is an environment where people know what is expected. It is predictable and evenhanded. Here each person has an even chance to show his or her worth.

It is my firm belief that balance is and if it is not, should be important to everyone. The consistency strength describes an individual having or displaying proper balance in one’s life. In my opinion, consistency is just as essential as breathing air. I wear many different hats during each week as I am certain most of the world does as well. The only difference is that some may adapt better than others.

For example, I stated in my answer for “Futuristic,” that I am a person of faith, father of many, uncle to many, husband and sibling, etc. What I did not mention is that I am pursuing a

Task 1 – Leadership Analysis and Evaluation

7

degree and working fifty-five plus hours a week as a salary employee. In conclusion, balancing my profession and personal life, is extremely important to my family and myself.

Positivity The “Positivity” result indicates the following: You are generous with praise, quick to smile, and always on the lookout for the positive in the situation. Some call you lighthearted. Others just wish that their glass were as full as yours seems to be. But either way, people want to be around you. Their world looks better around you because your enthusiasm is contagious. Lacking your energy and optimism, some find their world drab with repetition or, worse, heavy with pressure. You seem to find a way to lighten their spirit. You inject drama into every project. You celebrate every achievement. You find ways to make everything more exciting and more vital. Some cynics may reject your energy, but you are rarely dragged down. Your Positivity won’t allow it. Somehow you can’t quite escape your conviction that it is good to be alive, that work can be fun, and that no matter what the setbacks, one must never lose one’s sense of humor.

I have spent my entire life growing up in a faith loving and positive military household, where my sibling’s and I were constantly being encouraged, and praised for our outlook on life as well as our accomplishments. Accolade’s and accomplishments were never a requirement in our household, although there were many other rules and responsibilities that were expected of us. I think that because of my outlook on life as a whole, most people migrate or are drawn to me.

Task 1 – Leadership Analysis and Evaluation

8 Strategic

The “Strategic” result indicates the following: The Strategic theme enables you to sort through the clutter and find the best route. It is not a skill that can be taught. It is a distinct way of thinking, a special perspective on the world at large. This perspective allows you to see patterns where others simply see complexity. Mindful of these patterns, you play out alternative scenarios, always asking, “What if this happened? Okay, well what if this happened?”

This recurring question helps you see around the next corner. There you can evaluate accurately the potential obstacles. Guided by where you see each path leading, you start to make selections. You discard the paths that lead nowhere. You discard the paths that lead straight into resistance. You discard the paths that lead into a fog of confusion. You cull and make selections until you arrive at the chosen path—your strategy. Armed with your strategy, you strike forward. This is your Strategic theme at work: “What if?” Select. Strike.

The strategic theme is definitely the way that I process everything. One of the first things that comes to mind daily after my faith and family, would most certainly be: How may I eliminate any and all liabilities throughout my entire day. I’ve spent my entire career primarily as a salary employee, with the exception of nursing. Both, in my personal and professional life and my daily responsibilities as a general manager, has always been managing people, assets, profits and loss. I have also found that managing opportunity cost, if not done properly, can be very costly. The strategic theme certainly speaks to the nature of my character, especially speaking to my outlook on everyday tasks.

Task 1 – Leadership Analysis and Evaluation

9

Transformational Theory Analysis

In this section, I will discuss the leadership theory I selected based on past observations of peer reviews. The leadership theory that most applied to me as a leader, was the “Transformational Leadership” style. Transformational leadership distinguishes itself from every other leadership theory. It does so on the basis of its alignment in providing greater outcomes in most situations as it requires the involvement of all employees being instrumental in all aspects of an organizations processes, and/or all related decisions in the direction in which the company is headed. The transformational leader is consistent with being certain to raise the motivation and morality levels of both the employee and the leader regularly (House & Shamir, 1993). It is considered that the transformational leaders “engage in interactions with followers based on common values, beliefs and goals” (Bass, 1985), (Maslow, higher order needs theory., 1954). Leaders that possess a transformational style of leadership will usually produce positive outcomes in the workplace as well as at the organizational levels. Transformational leaders encourage management and employees alike, to always strive for a greater need of self-actualization, and self-esteem (Bass, 1985), (Maslow, higher order needs theory., 1954). Leaders should also be influential in their employee’s motivation to buy in to his/or her belief system of self-sacrifice, and achieving their organizational goals, while also, prioritizing those goals over individual personal interests (Bass, 1995). Leaders who display idealized influence, will also demonstrate a genuine concern toward employee needs. The leader will conjure up a sense of a shared caring, in any given situation (Jung et al., 2008).

Task 1 – Leadership Analysis and Evaluation

10

Additionally, I believe that inspirational encouragement and motivation will challenge the employee in achieving a set goal, whereas a professional approach using intellectual stimulation inspires employees to be more creative decision makers and innovators where problem-solving is concerned. Cummings et al., (2010). Lastly, Transformational leaders will gage the relationship that they have with each and every individual employee and the leader will then demonstrate individualized acknowledgement and consideration in meeting their higher order of needs - empowerment, achievement, enhanced self-efficacy and personal growth (Cummings, Midodzi, Wong, and Estabrooks (2010), (Bass, 1985), (Maslow, higher order needs theory., 1954). Most importantly and regardless of leadership style, leaders who practice, and apply relational and transformational styles of leadership in an organization, had greater positive outcomes than those who demonstrated autocracy leadership styles (Cummings et al., (2010). Transformational leadership refers to leaders that through their influence, inspiration, and intellectual stimulation encourage employees beyond their immediate self-interests through the use of idealized influence (Avolio & Bass, 1991).

Personal Leadership Strengths

My first selected personal leadership strengths that I will discuss is “Leaner,” which is being an individual who strives for continuing education. I truly enjoy learning new things and new ways of doing things. Whether it be a more efficient way of accomplishing corporate goals or being instrumental in assisting subordinates reach their goals (promotion, financial, educational), I have personally advocated the importance of higher learning, to everyone that I encounter and everyone that I have a dialoged with. I have found that subjects that I find particularly exciting and fun to learn, has been Human Resource management. I earned my

Task 1 – Leadership Analysis and Evaluation

11

Minors degree in H.R. management, while also earning my B.S.B.A. at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I found that the school’s continuing education programs will not only certify you, but also aid in helping their students get licensed. Depending upon the institution, learning for me has not only been fun, but also very gratifying. Learner strength aligns with my chosen scholarly theory “Transformational Leadership,” on the basis that leaders that possess learner as a strength typically plays a major part in being influential in their employee’s economic growth, training and education that leads the employee to promotional advancement within the company. (Bass, 1995). Leaders who display idealized influence, will also demonstrate a genuine concern toward employee needs. The leader will conjure up a sense of a shared caring, in any given situation (Jung et al., 2008). Transformational leaders will also take on the role of mentoring employees, while advancing in the company’s provided leadership programs that’s usually offered by corporate in order to further or support the leader in their learning the key responsibilities of leaders in the context of idealized behavior for a particular company. These types of leaders are referred to as learning leaders (Jhon Marshall - CEO, Solaris Power). My next personal leadership strengths that I will discuss is “Positivity.” I have many years of managerial experience having employed many different individuals from all walks of life. I have always believed that one should give praise, encouragement and display a positive nature no matter the situation or circumstance. Also, to be certain to always smile and encourage positivity among your staff. We as leaders must always be on the lookout for the positive in any and every situation. How can I improve on my learner leadership strength? I can improve on this strength, by enhancing my leadership knowledge. Positivity strength aligns with my chosen scholarly theory “Transformational

Task 1 – Leadership Analysis and Evaluation

12

Leadership,” on the basis that it provides greater outcomes in most situations as it requires the involvement of all employees being instrumental in all aspects of an organization’s processes. Transformational leaders are consistent with being certain to raise the motivation and morality levels of both the employee and the leader regularly (House & Shamir, 1993). My final selected personal leadership strengths that I will discuss is “Strategic”. I have found that managing strategically has enabled me to be able to sort through the clutter and find the best route in dealing with all types of issues, both personal and professionally. Typically, it has been said that this strength is not a skill that can be taught, but a strength, or trait that an individual is born with and must be nurtured. Anyone who is strategic in the manner in which they see and do things, know that having this strength is a distinct way of thinking. Having this perspective in everything that I do, allows me to see or look at things objectively, where others simply see complexity. Through my experiences, I have been able to play out alternative scenarios which opened the doors to better options and outcomes. How can I improve my strategic leadership strength? I can improve upon this strength by closely monitoring personal time management. Strategic strength aligns with my chosen scholarly theory “Transformational Leadership,” in the sense that the aim of a transformational leader is to transform their employees as well as the organizations direction. A transformational leader’s goal is to reinvent and alter their inherited employees through re-traing and re-tooling. This is certainly a leader’s way of not only strategic planning, but also strategic managing. Another great example of a leader being strategic in the manner in which to manage an entire cultural change in an organization is by influencing the minds, hearts, vision, and understanding of the organizations need for the employee’s behavior to be congruent with the company’s values, concepts and brings about the necessary

Task 1 – Leadership Analysis and Evaluation

13

changes that are to be permanent, self-perpetuating and momentum building company wide. Finally, transformational leaders are great at being able to define and articulate mission and vision statement’s to subordinates for the benefit of organization (Ba...